is when, is where

is when, is where
The use of is when and is where in explaining and defining something is a common error in speech and writing. Rather than misuse an adverbial clause (Anemia is when the blood is deficient) employ a noun or a noun with modifiers (Anemia is a disease in which deficiencies appear in the blood.) To say, for instance,"Stealing is where you take..." instead of "Stealing is the act of taking..." is to be awkward, if not illiterate.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • when and where — Technical words in pleading, formerly necessary in making full defense to certain actions …   Black's law dictionary

  • where — [hwer, wer] adv. [ME wher < OE hwær, akin to Ger wo & to war in warum: for IE base see WHAT] 1. in or at what place? [where is the car?] 2. to or toward what place or point? [where did he go?] 3. in what situation or position [where will we be …   English World dictionary

  • when — [hwen, wen] adv. [ME whenne < OE hwænne, akin to Ger wann, when, wenn, if, akin to hwa, who: see WHAT] 1. a) at what time? [when did they leave? he asked when he should go] b) on what occasion or under what circumstances? [when do you double… …   English World dictionary

  • where possible — when/whenever/where/wherever/possible phrase when or where you have an opportunity to do something I relax with a good book whenever possible. Thesaurus: everywhere and anywheresyn …   Useful english dictionary

  • when possible — when/whenever/where/wherever/possible phrase when or where you have an opportunity to do something I relax with a good book whenever possible. Thesaurus: everywhere and anywheresyn …   Useful english dictionary

  • when, where — See is when. The objection to is when and is where may or may not be based on grammatical grounds, but unquestionably both phrases are childish, immature, and overused. A further objection is that when and where are often used in situations where …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • where — 1. conjunction /ʍɛə(ɹ),wɛɹ,ʍɛɹ/ a) While on the contrary; although; whereas. Where Susy has trouble coloring inside the lines, Johnny has already mastered shading. b) At or in which place or situation. He is looking for a house where he can have… …   Wiktionary

  • when — 1. conjunction /ʍɛn,wɛn,ʍɛn/ a) At what time. They were told when to sleep. b) At such time as. I’m happiest when I’m working. 2. pronoun /ʍɛn,wɛn,ʍɛn/ What time; which time …   Wiktionary

  • Where's Waldo? — is the North American book and media franchise first adapted for United States audiences from the Where s Wally? book by Martin Handford. OriginsThe franchise was created by Martin Handford. As a young adult, Handford illustrated crowds and other …   Wikipedia

  • Where No Fan Has Gone Before — Futurama episode Melllvar and the original cast of Star Trek …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”